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I'm 16 and had knee problems for 3 years now. I'm not sure what it is called but it is common in teen girls and it happens when the cartilage behind the knee cap softens. My knees have gotten progressively worse over time. Once in awhile one or the other will feel fine but the longest that has ever lasted is 2 weeks. Usually before one of my knees gives out it pops a lot or grinds first. Today going to first hour my right knee gave out without warning and almost caused me to fall. My knees give out so often I'm pretty good at keeping my balance but this time had the wall not been there I would have been on my butt in the middle of the high school. Also the other night I was walking on the treadmill (it isn't electric) just wondering how far I could walk. I made it .16 of a mile before my knee gave out. Last semester in gym I did about .75 of a mile. What is this condition called? Does this typically happen when someone has it? Does it usually last 3 years? The doctor just keeps telling me to wait it out and has been no help thus far. He hasn't even told me what it is hence my first question.

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3 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Knee problems for 3 years nowI'm 16 and had knee problems for 3 years now. I'm not sure what it is called but it is common in teen girls and it happens when the cartilage behind the knee cap softens. My knees have gotten progressively worse over time. Once in awhile one or the other will feel fine but the longest that has ever lasted is 2 weeks. Usually before one of my knees gives out it pops a lot or grinds first. Today going to first hour my right knee gave out without warning and almost caused me to fall. My knees give out so often I'm pretty good at keeping my balance but this time had the wall not been there I would have been on my butt in the middle of the high school. Also the other night I was walking on the treadmill (it isn't electric) just wondering how far I could walk. I made it .16 of a mile before my knee gave out. Last semester in gym I did about .75 of a mile. What is this condition called? Does this typically happen when someone has it? Does it usually last 3 years? The doctor just keeps telling me to wait it out and has been no help thus far. He hasn't even told me what it is hence my first question.

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